Why do we need marine renewable energy?

Green Industries Wales WAVE / TIDAL

Inform.

by Jess Hooper, Programme Manager at Marine Energy Wales

Marine renewables offer an untapped solution to climate change for Wales and the UK. These clean and abundant sources of energy should be recognised for their predictability, reliability and for the substantial contribution they can make to net zero targets. Wales’s unique geography has blessed the country’s waters with abundant tidal stream, tidal range and wave resource as well as deep-water areas suitable for floating offshore wind. With the right level of support and investment to enable continued innovation Wales could become one of the best and easiest places to produce offshore renewable energy. Generating power from multiple diverse sources is key to delivering a continuous supply of renewable energy to our homes. The wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine. Marine renewables can balance fluctuations in these energy sources to ensure that the lights stay on. They also increase security of supply by reducing our reliance on imported fuels.

As a homegrown industry creating high quality skilled jobs, Wales’s marine renewable industry is already stimulating regeneration in coastal regions. By creating more opportunities for meaningful employment around our coast this sector represents a key driver for retaining talent and nurturing skills in Wales. further growth as part of a sustainable economic recovery, creating and maintaining jobs in a resilient industry with long term prospects.

Through supporting innovation to develop world class marine renewable technologies Wales can maintain its position as a global leader in this industry. Continued alignment of our rich maritime and industrial heritage with 21st Century needs will enable Wales to become a major exporter of marine renewable technologies and the associated knowledge, know-how and expertise; tapping into an ocean of wealth and opportunity.

The industry has shown record growth in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Targeted support can stimulate